Off-Cycle Position
Here's a story about working hard and making the most of an opportunity!
Dr. Barone,
I didn’t pass step one until the 3rd time, Step 2CK the 2nd time, and CS the first time. I took an off cycle position in family medicine in Jan 2014 and I’m doing great!!!
A. M. 3/24/2014
1. May I ask you how you got the off cycle spot?
Yeah no problem. I graduated from a Caribbean school. When I was student, I did my rotations with few docs in the US at a place that was going to start a new residency program but they were not sure when. So I worked really hard for them! In between rotations, I kept going and working with the docs in the clinics to get more experience and show them what I'm made of. So when the program was approved, my name was mentioned for an interview! I did good in the interview (I had good management experience so I had excellent interview manners) and then its history from there!
2. Any advice you could give to students about getting and off-cycle position?
My advise is to do any rotation/ clerkship with a doc that is close to programs of their interest and push them self to the limit! In addition to scores, how hard you work and how you present yourself are very important elements in securing a position.
"A good example of working hard and making the most of any opportunity that presents itself!" - Dr. Barone